The Division of Wildlife Resources has committed to continue a long standing community tradition though likely under a new name. The final and 29th Annual Josie Shoot was held at the Vernal Rod and Gun Club on Saturday where women from ages 12 to nearly 70 years old competed shooting .22 rifles. The event was dedicated to Carole Jackson, the woman who chaired the event for over 2 decades. Carole passed away last December and her family decided to host the event one final time in her honor. The Division of Wildlife Resources stepped in to see the event continue as it has great value in promoting shooting sports. “Some of the women have been participating in this event for over 20 years,” shares DWR Outreach Manager Tonya Kieffer. “We don’t want to see the tradition lost. DWR is the core of teaching hunter safety in the state of UT and this event fits in with promoting safe shooting. A safe shooter is a safe hunter.” Tonya attended Saturday’s event and was impressed as she learned more about Carole Jackson and how she embodied so much of what Josie Morris stood for as a uniquely independent woman in the 1900s. Once in place, plans for next year’s event will be posted at www.wildlife.utah.gov.
